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Japan, US train on island where WWII atomic bomb runs once took off

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From Stripes.com

Japan Self-Defense Forces helicopters land on a World War II-era runway on Tinian, in the Northern Marianas, Tuesday, Nov. 8, 2016. U.S. forces assisted the Japanese-led event as part of the bilateral Keen Sword exercise. (Erik Slavin/Stars and Stripes)

Japan, US train on island where WWII atomic bomb runs once took off

by: Erik Slavin | .

Stars and Stripes | .

published: November 12, 2016

TINIAN, Northern Marianas — Japan took new steps toward integrating its air, sea and land forces this week during its most complex field exercise with the U.S. military since Tokyo passed laws expanding defense options last year.

Ground troops from the two security allies landed aboard helicopters on the U.S. commonwealth island of Tinian, site of a major 1944 World War II battle where U.S. forces defeated a 9,000-strong Japanese garrison, consolidating their hold on islands within striking distance of the Japanese mainland.

On Tuesday, servicemembers from both sides hiked into a tropical jungle to mop up against a mock opposition force. In one case, they marched just a few feet past pits where the atomic bombs headed to Hiroshima and Nagasaki were loaded onto planes 71 years ago.